A New Guest House for Rental Income in Pasadena: Costs, Timelines, Permits, and Plans

A client in Pasadena approached New Avenue with the vision of creating passive rental income by adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to his property.

Design requirements

The design professional wanted to maximize allowable square footage to comply with zoning regulations for allowable livable area and occupiable space. The design was constrained to match the existing home's style and height. This is more of an integration and expansion than a new design. The design includes three beds and two baths for a 995-square-food, one-story, detached ADU.

Timeline

The project started in October 2017. The client is engaging in a construction agreement as of April 2018, and we expect this to be a seven-month build.

Permits

The permits were more involved for this project than they are for others. We had to get permits from building and safety, zoning, public works, and the fire department.

Costs

At the time of this project, the design costs were around $14,500.00, and the construction costs were around $250,000.00. In 2020, the design would cost approximately $18,850.00, and the construction would cost approximately $325,000.00.